Our experience in the crisis simulation workshop — Group A

Crisis Management Simulation

This final semester in the Ad and Pr Lab at Panteion University we got immersed in the world of crises. We learnt how to identify and work our way through a crisis as well as the importance of current affairs and how to evaluate them, especially in difficult times. Therefore, as a closing to this journey we were called to participate in the annual Crisis Management Simulation to put all those lessons to the test. The scenario we had to work with was the ailment of two members of the Ukrainian delegation currently staying in Greece as part of the current international negotiations. Given the turmoil the world is facing, this case was realistic, relevant and extremely challenging. We had to collaborate on large teams representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Company -in this case the hotel in which the guests were residing- and the Media and we with the daily information we were receiving we had to plan our next moves or completely change our course of action.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ perspective

Early on, we came to realize that our role in the crisis was fundamental. We were the ones to invite the delegates to stay in our country, hence, with any issue that occurred, our reputation was at stake. It was pretty clear for us that the best way to tackle this crisis was to collaborate with the company and support each other. The data we were given throughout the crisis indicated that we weren’t dealing with any form of malpractice or foul play, so we based our handling of the crisis on these arguments. Another tactic we found most suitable for this particular scenario was to remain quiet and not let on any information about the incident as long as the media weren’t pressuring for responses.

As expected, in the coming days, more questions and rumors started coming in. It was our call to reply, so it was deemed most reasonable to not show weakness, nor to point fingers. Having ruled out any error both on our and the company’s part, we chose to respond with our facts, to not encourage assumptions while ensuring to keep a close eye on the case. Moreover, it was important for us to remain certain on our choice of company to collaborate with, to have faith on their quality of services and guarantee that all the necessary measures were taken to ensure safety before and after the incident.

This whole experience, however hectic at times and filled with uncertainty, really helped us realize that we are all able to manage a difficult situation when we are equipped with the necessary knowledge and are perceptive. Our team managed to collaborate exceptionally, creating a very supportive and encouraging environment. It was challenging trying to predict how the public or the media would react, so we had to be able to adapt fast and redesign our strategy. All in all, it was a learning experience that made us get out of our comfort zone.

The Company’s perspective

There’s no doubt that we gained a lot through this process as a team and also individually. It was a challenge that could easily take place at the real world. At first, as a team we decided to represent the hotel, so had to make our answers towards the Ministry of foreign affairs and the media adoptable. As soon as we received the information that someone was not feeling well, after eaten our food, we had to decide if it was a special occasion or a crisis. It was that time that we informed that another member was also not feeling well. So we had to arrange a strategy in order to answer the media with he best possible way. We immediately came to the conclusion that this was about a special occasion and decided to approach the Ministry of foreign affair and cooperate with them. After their positive answer we arranged a meeting and agree on a common strategy. During the interview with the media, thanks to our good cooperation and preparation, everything turned out as we planned. In conclusion, what me mainly gained as a team beyond the experience of handling a difficult situation, such as a crisis, we also learn how to cooperate as a team more effectively and productively in order to face a problem.

The Media’s perspective

Since we were assigned the role of the media, we realized from the start that we had lot of work and planning to do. The crisis that we came across was basically a gold mine for us, as we could potentially produce massive and profitable content. How could we achieve that? Well for starters since the data we received were not sufficient, that meant we ourselves had to come in contact with both the Ministry and the Company, to find out more about the situation. By asking them daily questions we brought to light important information that we could present to the public, and thus freeing ourselves from the burden of sticking to mere speculations.

It was a truly challenging situation for us, as we many a times had to deal with both parties’ insufficient answers, or sometimes no answers at all. For example, on the third day we planned a series of questions for the Ministry, but we received no response whatsoever. As for the responses we received throughout the situation, we should highlight how much the Company and the Ministry decided to stick together and not pass the blame to one another. Since we wanted to sell as much as possible, we tried to inflame the situation by asking provoking questions to both parties to see whether they would accuse one another.

All an all, it was without a doubt an unforgettable experience and we can’t thank enough Betty Tsakarestou and Mania Xenou for what they’ve given and taught us. We are very lucky to have been part of this lab and to play an active role in this learning procedure. What a truly amazing immersive experience this has been!

Group A members: Smaragda Dafermou, Marianina Deligianni, Angeliki Valeri, Despoina Fragou, Agathi Tagari, Sophia A., Alexandra S, kostas kapoutsis, evadinou, John Reizis, Constantina Xatzi, Λυδία Δοντά, Eirini Samoli, Αγγελική Κλήμη, Ellen Kakkava, Melina Makridi, Spyros Vortelinos, Marios Tapakoudis, Παναγιώτης Κουρεντής, Kalatha Katerina, Mary Chondrogianni, Angeliki Kyriazi, Νώντας Κυριάκος, Δήμητρα Στεργίου, Eleni Chronidou, @aggelikiskouf, @Georgianna Chondrou